Lyon reached the final of the UEFA Women’s Champions League after a dramatic 3-1 win over reigning champions Arsenal Women on Saturday, with Jule Brand scoring the decisive late goal.
Brand’s composed finish in the 86th minute at the Groupama Stadium sealed the victory on the night and handed Lyon a 4-3 aggregate victory.
The French side, chasing a record-extending ninth European title, will now face either Bayern Munich Women or Barcelona Femení in Oslo on May 23.
Lyon Dominate Early Exchanges
Trailing 2-1 from the first leg, Lyon started strongly and thought they had taken an early lead when Lindsey Heaps headed home, but the goal was ruled out following a VAR check for a foul on Arsenal goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar.
They were awarded a penalty soon after when Lotte Wubben-Moy fouled Melchie Dumornay. Wendie Renard saw her initial effort saved, but converted the retake after the goalkeeper was ruled off her line.
Lyon took control of the tie in the 36th minute as Kadidiatou Diani capitalised on a defensive lapse to make it 2-0 on the night.
Arsenal Fight Back but Fall Short
Arsenal responded through Alessia Russo, whose close-range finish levelled the tie on aggregate at 3-3 and set the stage for a tense finale.
However, Brand delivered the decisive blow late on, ensuring Lyon held on through nine minutes of added time to secure their place in the final.
Lyon coach Jonatan Giráldez praised his side’s performance, while Arsenal boss Renée Slegers admitted her team fell short in a tightly contested encounter.
The second semi-final sees Bayern Munich and Barcelona meet in Spain, with the tie finely poised at 1-1 from the first leg.
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